Arians Throws Ben Under The Bus

[Atlanta Dan]

Originally Posted by X-Terminator

I still just don't see it, Dan, sorry. When a QB is facing 8- and 9-man fronts, it's expected he try to change the play. If the Steelers had continue to run against those fronts without success, the fans would have questioned why they didn't pass enough, as they did after the loss to the Cardinals.

This is a classic case of damned if you do and damned if you don't. Fans want someone to blame, so players and coaches go out of their way more often than not to accept it, even when they are only part of the reason for the loss. And if they don't, well, this is what happens.

I always respect you and your opinion, Dan, but I see nothing wrong with what Arians said.

We will agree to disagree on this - I agree it is a non-issue as to what happened last week. By Arians feeling it necessary to explain a situation for which he has been taking heat five days after a loss he elected to keep the issue alive, which reflects a certain insecurity on his part and an indication he does not think it is a non-issue (such as his need to explain how flanker screens are just like running plays). In addition, given how Ben reacts to any criticism from coaches, laying anything on Ben before a crucial game is simply not a good idea.

Coach K at Duke has a saying when you suffer a setback - next play. Arians could have just let it pass with an equivalent or no comment on Friday, but since Tomlin called out the play calling to NBC at halftime maybe Arians has been taking heat from sources other than Internet boards and the media or still has scars from his less than brilliant tenure in Cleveland.

[Preacher]

Originally Posted by Atlanta Dan

We will agree to disagree on this - I agree it is a non-issue as to what happened last week. By Arians feeling it necessary to explain a situation for which he has been taking heat five days after a loss he elected to keep the issue alive, .

Personally... I would like to hear the entire interview. I could very easily imagine a question such as, "Why were there so many run pass plays last week?"

Answer, " Ben Roethlisberger had to audible pass plays because the Broncos were overloading their defensive front to stop the run."

Next Question "But shouldn't you or Ben have ran more running plays anyways?"

Answer, "To me, the flanker screen is a run, that's a long handoff,"

The context will mean everything... and given the chance to trust the team, or the press on context.. I NEVER TRUST THE PRESS.

But yeah, I think that it is a non-issue, just a question asked, and answered honestly.

[SteelDogFan]

No matter who changed the plays the fact the the Steelers passed the ball, what was it, thirteen out of fifteen plays is not good. A tone was set for the D-line to pin their ears back because the team was going to pass first. This snowballed into Ben being rushed and sacked all game long. weather the running game is working or not the Steelers always establish a ground game tone so that the defense has to keep loinebackers at home. This causes the play-action to work better or be more effective.

I know its not that bad but I think someone on the Steelers coaching staff needs to say establish the ground game or ground game identity first and foremost. We do not have the Pats or the Colts offense but are trying to operate like them Pass to set up the run. When the Steelers are built to run to set up the pass.

Each time I watch the pre-game shows or Playbook on the NFL Network this is the quote. "I look for the Steelers to get back and do what they do best and thats run the football." But then they come out and pass 13 out of 15 first plays.

Don't mean to seem negative but even though we are 4-2 after watching the NFL replay of the game almost twice on NFL network and knowing we have the Ravens twice and the Pats I hope the offense gets going or that could be 3 losses. The Steelers have not faced a D like those yet and we lost to the Cards and the Broncos two games we all thought they would win.

Just a concerned Steelers fan, not a griper.

[MasterOfPuppets]

here's the funny part about this.....if we win that game, this thread and debate doesn't exsist. arians and ben gets a pat on the back for a job well done, and the new topic is , why 11 of parkers 21 carries were for 1 yd or less!!!

[revefsreleets]

This is all very interesting. The audibles to short screens and passes to outlets or players in the flat is basically what a West Coast Offense is predicated upon. Arians calling those plays "just like runs" is exactly right. I'm guessing maybe he was hoping for Ben to throw the ball downfield? I don't know. I don't care, either. No matter what, there was a glaring lack of execution across the board last week.

[Preacher]

Originally Posted by SteelDogFan

When the Steelers are built to run to set up the pass.

Ok... So that means we ALWAYS be run first? That is like saying we should ALWAYS be a 3-4 because that is what we have now.

I don't agree with that logic. If it is felt we need to go to a pass first game, then do it now, see what we have, and draft for it later on.

I am not saying we should or should not, it is just that I disagree with the logic.

[Haiku_Dirtt]

Originally Posted by revefsreleets

No matter what, there was a glaring lack of execution across the board last week.

And in Ben's case perhaps over-execution.

[DACEB]

Originally Posted by ytsan2q

We just have to force teams out of those 8 man front.

We have to work on exploiting 8 man fronts.

This is the fact of the matter!!

We need to get teams to respect our passing game, or at least the threat of it.

I don't understand why we don't spread the formation out when teams do this. I thought that was the purpose of Carey Davis starting over Krieder, his versatility. Even with a 2 WR, 1TE and 2 back set they can spread out to 4 wide leaving a RB in the backfield. Is'nt this what was talked about and what we all invisioned for Arians offense.

I won't speculate as to whether Arians was throwing Ben under the bus. I will say that at this point in the season there is still a lot of room for improvement. Ben still has work to do to get on the same page with Arians offensive scheme. Considering this is the first year under this system, and reworking the offensive line, I think they are performing well.

[steelpride12]

O-Line and like said before 8 man rush seems to be our problem. We need our o-line to play its best every game and Ben to recognize the Blitz and exploit it with an audible to a quick slant or out pattern!

[GeneralRobinson]

Originally Posted by steelpride12

O-Line and like said before 8 man rush seems to be our problem. We need our o-line to play its best every game and Ben to recognize the Blitz and exploit it with an audible to a quick slant or out pattern!

I was watching Ben's post-game press conference and he even admitted that he needs to improve on quickly throwing to the hot read as opposed to relying on his scrambling.